News from Project Self-Sufficiency

Project Sussex Kids, the Sussex County Council for Young Children, and The Sussex County Family Success Center recently teamed up to host a Spring Fling for hundreds of children and their parents at Project Self-Sufficiency’s Newton campus.   Participants were treated to crafts, dinner, an Easter egg hunt, photos with the Easter Bunny, face-painting, games, and other activities courtesy of agency staff members and a host of community volunteers, including the Newton High School Interact Club and the Kittatinny High School cheerleaders.   For the first time, a petting zoo complete with baby chicks, rabbits and a calf added to the excitement of the event for children.                        “Providing safe, family-friendly activities is one of the goals of the Family Success Center, and we are very grateful for the efforts of the Family Success Center Parent Advisory Board and the volunteers from the Sussex County Council for Young Children who worked so hard to host this

Adult volunteers are needed to assist teen girls as they select gowns from the collection at Project Self-Sufficiency’s “Sister-to-Sister” Prom Shop.   The eleventh annual “Sister-to-Sister Prom Shop” will be open March 28th, 29th, April 4th, 5th, 10th, 11th, 12th , 3:00—7:00 p.m.; April 6th and 13th, 3:00—5:00 p.m.; and April 7th and 14th, 9:00—11:00 a.m.   In addition to new and gently-used dresses of all lengths and sizes, the Prom Shop will feature accessories like shoes, wraps, hand bags, and jewelry so that patrons can create the perfect ensemble.   The “Sister-to-Sister” Prom Shop will offer gowns and accessories to any teen girl in need; no registration is required.   Volunteers must be over the age of 21; candidates are invited to register online or call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500.   Project Self-Sufficiency is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton.   Dresses and other types of formal wear are currently being accepted for display.   The “Sister-to-S

RoNetco Supermarkets and Hinkley Auto Sales recently joined together to provide a newly-refurbished car to Project Self-Sufficiency participant Asia Bryant.   The vehicle was previously owned by RoNetco Supermarkets and had been used by the firm for company business.   After being taken out of service, the car was thoroughly detailed by Hinkley Auto Sales and then donated to Project Self-Sufficiency, a local non-profit agency which specializes in services for low-income families in the New Jersey counties of Sussex, Morris, Warren, and Hunterdon.   A mother of a teenage daughter, Bryant works the overnight shift as a caretaker for developmentally disabled adults.   She had been relying on co-workers and family members for transportation.   “I was in shock.   I could not stop smiling for about a week,” explains Bryant upon being notified that she would be receiving the vehicle.   “Not only does this car help me get back and forth to work, but receiving it has elevated my f